Bad mom for shielding 4y/o DD from princessy fun at DLR?

[corinne76]

Personally - 3-6 are THE Princess Years... it's when things are super magical. At 6 she may realize Ariel is an actress in a wig, but at 4, that is Ariel full stop. I would plan one Princess thing, just to see her eyes shine when she thinks she's talking to a real princess.

I agree with this too. At 5, Cinderella WAS Cinderella. DD is nearing 7 and she knows they are just dressed up. She's not really interested in meeting or taking pics with them anymore, well except for A&E

She dressed as Cinderella when we did Fantasy Faire and she got to meet Cinderella. Her entire face lit up and I'll admit, I almost cried it was so amazing. I doubt it will be that good on our next trip. oh it will be fun, but that princess magic is over for us

 

[ldymcbth]

Personally - 3-6 are THE Princess Years... it's when things are super magical. At 6 she may realize Ariel is an actress in a wig, but at 4, that is Ariel full stop. I would plan one Princess thing, just to see her eyes shine when she thinks she's talking to a real princess.

Yes - this. My 6 year old is starting to be over it. Princesses stop being such an interest around 1st grade-ish. I am so thankful I had all of those trips with DD when the princesses were magic to her. I would hate to have missed that!

 

[ktlm]

My DD is 8. She became obsessed with Cinderella before her 2nd birthday. At age 2, we took her to a Princess meal at WDW, and it resulted in our house becoming all Disney Princess all the time. By age 6, she still loved the Princesses, but alot (really most) of the girls at her school in her grade were over it and one even told her it was babyish to still like the princesses at age 6. Luckily, my DD is outgoing and does what she wants, and she told that girl she would like what she likes. She still likes the Princesses at 8.

I can not even count how many princess dresses we had from age 2 to 5. She wore them all the time all day long. In Kindergarten, she mostly wore them at Halloween and Disney and when her friends came over and played dress up. She still wanted to get one on our Disney trip, but it made me cringe because, unlike in past years when the high price was worth it because she would wear them all the time, I knew it would not get worn much. At age 6, she still wanted a dress at Disney, but I don't know that she ever wore it again after we left Disney which really made me cringe for the price. After Frozen, there was a flare up with the girls at her school where Anna and Elsa were suddenly cool for the 7-8 year old age group, but she is the only one in her grade at school I know of who still really likes the other princesses. I know none of her friends do.

I would not give up the 2 to 5 year old Princess years for anything. The visions and pictures of her running around the house in Princesses dresses, running around WDW and DL in princesses dresses, and hugging and talking to all the Princesses and sometimes the Princes on our trips. I know we spent a lot of time in line at WDW/DL waiting for Princesses, but it was absolutely worth it. When we was 4 at WDW, Aladdin and Jasmine invited her to go with them to ride Aladdin's magic carpets. She still talks about that today. My DD at that age, would have stood in line all day to see characters, rode no rides, and would have considered it a great day - DH and I probably not so much though!

That said, some little girls are never that into the Princesses. That might be your DD. My friend's DD, now 6, has never shown much interest in any of the Princesses, and it drives my friend crazy. She was hoping for at least a picture or two in a frilly princess dress, or some Disney princess stuff in the house, but her DD was never interested. I think it is older brother syndrome. She always is into and wants whatever her older brother wants. You DD could be the same way.


If you want any princess time at all though, I wouldn't wait until she was 6. If she does want to meet a Princess and the line isn't too long, maybe you can at least take her to Fantasy Faire. Also keep your eyes open, because they do pop up here and there at DL. Also, the Rapunzel show is really cute, and the Aladdin show at CA is fantastic, maybe you can get her princess fix that way.

I will say though, that if you think she is going to want to see A&E, have a plan in advance. Don't wait until you are in the park and she spots their line, or spots them through the door of their building or walking into their building, and starts begging to see them!

 

[AZMermaid]

Yes - this. My 6 year old is starting to be over it. Princesses stop being such an interest around 1st grade-ish.

I agree with this. I teach first grade and other than Anna and Elsa, the girls are over it, some to more extent than others, but I think this is really the last year for most of my first graders. Until Anna and Elsa this year, I have had maybe 2 Princesses at Halloween. A lot of vampires, witches, rock stars etc etc. It has been nice to see them so into Anna and Elsa- it extended their princess years a bit!

But, if she's not into it, don't do it just because she's 4. But if she is, I would suck it up and do it. Maybe Dad and brother can do something else if the lines are awful. I'd honestly do breakfast or lunch at Ariel's. You gotta eat anyway and it knocks it out!

 

[cmpeter]

The only time my dd spent with the princesses was when we went on a solo mom and daughter trip just for that purpose. All the other times I also had my older son with me and wouldn't subject him to waiting in those lines either.

 

[aprincessatlast]

So do you not stop for the Star Wars show or ride Star tours for your 8 yr old ds? What about all the other stuff that is geared for boys like Pirates of Carribean etc?

As a mom to an 8 yr old boy who hates princesses (or so he says, yet watches the movies with sister) he knows he has to take take one for the team. My ds 10 loves to see his sister (also 4 years old) get excited about the princess stuff. Granted we don't do a ton and sometimes we will split up a bit like they go get a snack or something. We always did the boy side to Disney for years until our dd was 2 and then we slowly added things in. It is funny because we sailed past so much stuff we never noticed before.

 

[ldymcbth]

Ps, I just wanted to add - my 6 yo DD has an 8 yo brother, and we do things as a FAMILY. We do not designate boy/girl. She LOVES Star Tours. When he was younger, he loved meeting the princesses, but even now does not mind waiting for his sister to meet them. Just as she does not mind waiting for him to ride something she's not tall enough to do, etc. There's give and take in a family and that's a good thing to learn at this age! And honestly, you DS might like meeting the princesses on the sly - if he hangs back while she says hello and gets pics, they will still wave to him and chat to him. They handle brothers quite well, even those not interested in princesses.

 

[jory29]

Unless you have a true hobby person (on your hands (getting the autograph of someone even kids at that age usually know is a stand in), waiting in line for an attraction such as a ride tends to be time better spent, IMO... not just to me, but most probably to them as well, particularly if you are able to glance over and see a princess, snap a quick photo, etc. My kids never got into the whole autograph thing, and we grabbed a few pics. with characters as opportunity presented, such as a short line, if they liked the character, and wanted to wait to get a pic. with them...

My opinion is to just 'let it go' lol, and fly by the seat of your pants - see whatever you guys want, when you want, etc. Maybe one day will be mostly rides, and another day a couple of autograph and pic. sessions.

 

[WendyWhy]

Great hearing all these perspectives and sweet stories about little princesses! It does make me realize that my sweet DD is really not that into it as much as most girls her age - probably because I don't push it and because she has a big brother she adores and is into whatever he does! She loves all the Disney movie characters equally - she doesn't prioritize the princesses over Minnie or Nemo - she loves them all. We will def go to the Mickey Magical Map and Aladdin - DH says Nooooooo to Ariel's Grotto. I need to read more about Fantasy Faire and figure that into my plans!

 

[mom2rtk]

Great hearing all these perspectives and sweet stories about little princesses! It does make me realize that my sweet DD is really not that into it as much as most girls her age - probably because I don't push it and because she has a big brother she adores and is into whatever he does! She loves all the Disney movie characters equally - she doesn't prioritize the princesses over Minnie or Nemo - she loves them all. We will def go to the Mickey Magical Map and Aladdin - DH says Nooooooo to Ariel's Grotto. I need to read more about Fantasy Faire and figure that into my plans!

I'm sure you'll have an awesome time. Some kids just skip over certain phases of childhood. I was really into Barbie dolls as a child, but my daughter skipped that phase entirely. She was given a couple as gifts, and never really cared. Sounds like your DD with the princesses.

That said....... I'd still probably try to see if DH would mind letting the 2 of you sneak away by yourselves for a mother/daughter lunch at Ariel's Grotto. Half the price with just you two, and no males would need to be subjected to the princess experience.

 

[bouds]

My best memories of Disneyland are seeing my 4 yo absolutely beaming when meeting the princesses. This shocked me, as a non-girly mom, how happy it made me to see this. Even now, 5 years later, I look back at the pictures and am just so filled with joy remembering her joy. Have an open mind and don't be afraid to make your son spend a few minutes doing something for his sister. But either way, see one of the shows at the Fantasyland Theater. At least the Rapunzel show is mostly actors and is not girly to me, and has a lot to offer adults as well. Also an excellent t way to meet a princess after the show with little wait.

 

[jpessa]

You got great advice, and all I have to add is : don't underestimate the power of meeting a face character. There is a big difference (in my experience, others may differ) between meeting a furry character and one that actually SPEAKS to your child. Whether that's princesses, Captain Jack Sparrow, or even talking Mickey. It's a bit like being star struck. Those people are in the movies. And they are talking to THEM. And they are genuinely interested in what they have to say. For a few short moments, that's powerful magic. And seeing that is very special. You don't have to do it to have a great vacation. But you don't have to ride Space Mountain or have a Dole Whip. But I would still want to try.

 

[mom2tinkandmickey]

If your DD isn't into princesses because it's not her thing, don't push it. If she doesn't really know about them, you can't really know if they are her thing or not. As far as your DS, he might enjoy meeting them more than either of you think. My DS is 4 years older than DD. He loved seeing his little sister so excited meeting them. The princesses were always very sweet to him too. At 16 and 12, they both still enjoy getting their pictures taken with characters.

When we were there last month we saw Aladdin and Jasmine in Aladdin's Oasis. Kids went over to get their picture taken with them. Jasmine was fawning over how tall and handsome DS was (he's 6'6). Finally Aladdin said yes Jasmine, we all can see he's tall, and I guess handsome, if you're into Goofy. Aladdin was standing on his tip toes trying to be as tall as DS in the picture. It was hysterical.

 

[WendyWhy]

If your DD isn't into princesses because it's not her thing, don't push it. If she doesn't really know about them, you can't really know if they are her thing or not. As far as your DS, he might enjoy meeting them more than either of you think. My DS is 4 years older than DD. He loved seeing his little sister so excited meeting them. The princesses were always very sweet to him too. At 16 and 12, they both still enjoy getting their pictures taken with characters.

When we were there last month we saw Aladdin and Jasmine in Aladdin's Oasis. Kids went over to get their picture taken with them. Jasmine was fawning over how tall and handsome DS was (he's 6'6). Finally Aladdin said yes Jasmine, we all can see he's tall, and I guess handsome, if you're into Goofy. Aladdin was standing on his tip toes trying to be as tall as DS in the picture. It was hysterical.

LOL! What an adorable story! Where is Aladdin's Oasis? This I want to try!

 

[Luckymommatoo]

Aladdin's Oasis is next to Jungle Cruise.

I agree with some of the PP that I would try to meet at least one fairy or princess (my DD always preferred Tinker Bell and friends at Pixie Hollow). And my daughter was not a huge princess-y girl, but they are just SO sweet and pretty and amazing at staying in character no matter what the kids say or do. DD is now 8, and the photos I have of her meeting face characters when she's about three are some of my favorites EVER. The wonderment and joy on her face is indescribable.

This past weekend the kids (DD now 8 and DS 11) wanted to meet Hiro & Baymax. DS is a pretty cool tween, but he was completely in awe of Hiro & Baymax. Hiro was SO good with him. It's just really fun as a parent to see that side of your kid. (And yes, DS has often had to stand in line to meet fairies and/or princesses, and then they are so funny and saucy with him that he ends up enjoying it in spite of himself.)

So, I'd try to meet one, just so you guys can have the experience. If you plan right, it shouldn't take too long. Have fun!

 

[AC7179]

I think you could (and probably should) do something princess. I totally understand not wanting to leave your son out, but I don't think your trip has to revolve around princesses to include them somewhere. I'd probably do a meet and great, OR a show, OR a meal at Ariel's Grotto. You've got to eat somewhere anyway, right?

 

[Disneyland 1951]

It is very easy to visit the Princesses at the Fantasy Faire. In the early morning or anytime they are having the show or a Parade the line for the Royal Hall can be very short (1-5 minutes).

Give it a try it will take much less time than any major ride or attraction.

If she likes it great, if not you spent very little time.

 

[WendyWhy]

Aladdin's Oasis is next to Jungle Cruise.

I agree with some of the PP that I would try to meet at least one fairy or princess (my DD always preferred Tinker Bell and friends at Pixie Hollow). And my daughter was not a huge princess-y girl, but they are just SO sweet and pretty and amazing at staying in character no matter what the kids say or do. DD is now 8, and the photos I have of her meeting face characters when she's about three are some of my favorites EVER. The wonderment and joy on her face is indescribable.

This past weekend the kids (DD now 8 and DS 11) wanted to meet Hiro & Baymax. DS is a pretty cool tween, but he was completely in awe of Hiro & Baymax. Hiro was SO good with him. It's just really fun as a parent to see that side of your kid. (And yes, DS has often had to stand in line to meet fairies and/or princesses, and then they are so funny and saucy with him that he ends up enjoying it in spite of himself.)

So, I'd try to meet one, just so you guys can have the experience. If you plan right, it shouldn't take too long. Have fun!

I do have a funny pic of DD with a fairy at Pixie Hollow - she is stone faced and not smiling - but I think it's hilarious! It will be interesting to see how she will react this time!

 

[sandysue]

I would recommend the Royal Theater and stay after the show to meet the Rapunzel and Flynn. We had a great interaction with one of the maids-in-waiting while we were waiting and DD9 asked Flynn to teach her to "smolder," which was one of our trip highlights. We also saw the Beauty and the Beast show since Belle is DD7's favorite but didn't wait to meet her since we did Ariel's Grotto.

DS12 also enjoyed the shows and he got more of the jokes that the girls did.

We girls also had fun at Pixie Hollow while DH and DS12 rode DTMRR. In 2011 I unlaterally decided I didn't want to spend the time doing this and heard about it for 3 years! So this was on the "top 3" list for one of the girls. We got in line right as the park opened so the wait wasn't too bad.

D9 is more of a tomboy and Merida is her favorite, so we did her meet & greet. I'm not sure this is still open but D9 still speaks in a Scottish accent on occasion, so it was a fun experience. It was another girls-only time while DH and DS12 rode with the conductor in the train.

With only two days for your trip, I would choose one of these things to enjoy with your daughter. Nice that this isn't your "once in a lifetime" trip so there is always next time to try the others.

 

[trainingupmy4princes]

This will be my sweet 4yo DD's third time to DLR - the first two times she was way too little to be into the princesses, but now at age 4 she is just starting to pick it up from her little friends at preschool. I was hoping to hold it off for as long as possible - and think we could get away with avoiding it for our upcoming trip in January.

I like the princesses - it's just that when our trips are only 2-days - I prioritize rides and shows that our DS8 will enjoy too. For me, DL is Dumbo and Mickey, Space Mountain, IJ, POTC and churros - the world of princess is not part of my research...but after reading so many stories of all the parents who strategize to get to the A & E meet & greet, booking BBB and Ariel's Grotto, and something called Fantasy Faire - I feel a bit like a slacker mom!

Please tell me I am not depriving my little girl if we hold off on princess until she's closer to 6? Kind of kidding - but seriously....

Unless she's really tall for her age there will be some rides your DS can go on that she can't so why not do 1 or 2 princess things for her? All 4 of my older DS's waited in several princess lines at WDW for their sister just like she had to wait while they went on some bigger kid rides. As a family we do some girl things as well as things everyone,including the boys, enjoys.
My DD was dressed as Cinderella at the MNSSHP and Prince Charming twirled her around. She clapped her hands together and exclaimed how she danced with a real prince (not just Daddy pretending ) even the 16YO looked a little misty eyed. All her brothers were happy that she got that experience even if it meant one less ride on SM or Splash. My point is mayber her brother wouldn't mind doing something that is for his little sister. And yes the princess phase is over so quickly, I will be sad when it's gone as it is such a special time when magic is real.